Biopharmaceuticals and Pharmaceuticals

Overview

Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies are key players in Canada's innovative economy. Research and development (R&D) in this sector is focussed on developing the next generation of breakthrough therapies to address unmet medical needs both in Canada and globally.

The Canadian sector spans the research, development and manufacturing continuum. Industry players include biopharmaceutical small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), pharmaceutical companies, including subsidiaries of global pharmaceutical multinational enterprises (MNEs), generic and specialty pharmaceutical companies, and contract service providers. Canada has world-class health research institutions and research networks which are integral partners in research and knowledge translation. Canada continues to make significant and sustained investments that support biopharmaceutical innovation and commercialization.

Biopharmaceutical Companies

As of 2010, Canada had about 180 private and public biopharmaceutical companies, mostly SMEs with products in research and development stages. Key biopharmaceutical therapies in development were focussed on cancer, neurological disorders and infectious diseases and vaccines. Canada's innovative biopharmaceutical SMEs seek high quality investors and pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to contribute to the successful development and commercialization of their pipelines.

Pharmaceutical Companies

As of 2010, the pharmaceutical industry in Canada employed about 28,000 persons, had annual sales in Canada of $21 billion, exported products worth $7 billion and conducted over $1.3 billion in R&D. The industry is a significant source of investments in Canada, including R&D and manufacturing operations, academic research and networks, clinical trials programs, and partnerships with innovative Canadian biopharmaceutical SMEs. A strong Canadian pharmaceutical industry also relies on globally competitive intellectual property and regulatory regimes.

Contract Service Providers

Canada's well-developed contract services industry serves both domestic and international biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry clients. These providers include both domestic and global contract research organizations (CROs) and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).Close to 200 CMOs, CROs, and contract analytical and bioanalytical laboratories, contract packagers and regulatory service providers operate in Canada.

Industry Associations

Industry associations are active in ensuring that Canada remains a competitive place for business investments.

Health Research Institutions and Research Networks

Canadian academic health research centres and hospitals, government laboratories, and regional, national and international research networks play a pivotal role in research, clinical development and knowledge translation. Canada's research excellence is recognized in many therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, metabolic disorders, neuroscience, oncology, and infectious diseases and vaccines. Canada is also a leader in the development of key technology platforms including stem cells and regenerative medicine, genomics and antibody technologies.

Federal Programs and Initiatives

Federal programs and initiatives support and foster world-class R&D, health research infrastructure and collaborative networks, and support the commercialization of innovation and the growth of Canadian-based firms.